Singapore Reinforces Public Service Media as Trusted Platform Amid AI Misinformation Concerns

Singapore to Bolster Public Service Media as Safeguard Against AI-Driven Disinformation

Public Service Media (PSM) will remain a cornerstone in preserving trust and credibility in Singapore’s information ecosystem as artificial intelligence-driven disinformation continues to rise, according to Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.

Speaking during Parliament’s Budget 2026 debate on Saturday, Teo responded to concerns raised by Member of Parliament for Kebun Baru Henry Kwek regarding the need for “adequate and sustainable” funding for public media outlets in the country.

“Another risk we face is the spread of disinformation and misinformation, fueled by technologies like AI. As a diverse society, we are particularly vulnerable to online falsehoods that erode trust in our society and institutions,” Teo explained.

The minister highlighted that Singapore has been actively strengthening its libraries and archives to foster information literacy and develop a more discerning population capable of identifying false information.

PSM entities play an instrumental role in this effort, with Teo noting their exceptional reach and high public trust ratings. “Our PSM entities reach over 90% of Singaporeans. They remain highly trusted by the public, more so than reputable international and online media outlets,” she said. “Consequently, our PSM entities have become indispensable in countering misinformation.”

The government has already implemented several initiatives to bolster Singapore’s media landscape, including establishing a specialized digital verification team at Channel News Asia (CNA) and partnering with The Straits Times on the AskST series, which focuses on fact-checking and clarifying misconceptions.

“MDDI will therefore continue working closely with our PSM entities to maintain their reach and strengthen their fact-checking capabilities,” Teo added, referring to the Ministry of Digital Development and Information.

Beyond their role in combating disinformation, PSM outlets serve additional functions vital to Singapore’s social fabric. “Besides delivering timely and credible news, our PSM entities produce content that strengthens our sense of identity as one people,” Teo said. “They also play a role in cultivating news literacy among our young, through regular student publications and school competitions.”

Addressing Kwek’s concerns about financial sustainability and relevance, Teo assured Parliament that the government would continue investing in PSM and supporting the development of new capabilities as the media landscape evolves. She mentioned that officials are studying approaches from other countries and will consult with industry stakeholders “to ensure that initiatives are implemented reasonably and effectively.”

Kwek had previously emphasized the critical role of public service media in what he described as Singapore’s “trust infrastructure,” particularly as AI-generated disinformation becomes more sophisticated and widespread. “In the age of AI generated disinformation, [public service media] stand between our people and manipulated information space,” he stated, calling for sustainable funding to maintain the sector’s credibility and provide media professionals with career confidence.

The MP also addressed broader implications of AI advancement for Singapore’s economy and society. He advocated for collaborative development of Singapore’s AI infrastructure with major technology companies, AI-focused requirements in government IT contracts to accelerate adoption, and targeted innovation grants to help small and medium enterprises build AI capabilities.

“In the AI-centric world, where AI agents transact and AI systems make decisions, trust becomes the precious commodity in digital economy,” Kwek noted.

Singapore has been increasingly proactive in addressing challenges posed by emerging technologies. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) recently introduced a framework establishing guardrails for agentic AI, while research indicates Singaporeans are increasingly concerned about online trust as misinformation continues to shape digital behavior.

As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, Singapore’s emphasis on strengthening its public media ecosystem reflects a growing recognition among governments worldwide that trusted information sources are essential safeguards against technology-enabled manipulation of the public discourse.